Luxury Escapes Guide to Perth

Fresh from the pages of a magazine, The Shorehouse on Swanbourne beach is a quintessential WA diner. Relax under the striped umbrellas on the Deck for a post-swim coffee or a chilled wine at sunset – or set up stumps at an elegant table inside for a flavourful selection of small plates or meats straight from the Josper oven. Naturally, fresh seafood is in abundance. This is the type of venue where you’ll learn the meaning of a leisurely meal.

A much-loved foodie favourite in the heart of old Perth, Balthazar sits inside the base of an Art Deco apartment block opposite the river. It doesn’t get classier than that. The à la carte menu is peppered with classic French-inspired dishes, cooked to perfection, such as chicken and duck terrine, beef fillet and chocolate truffles. Wine pairings include a carefully picked selection of minimum intervention varietals. You can even get a bottle from the cellar to take home for later.

Inspired by the street food and markets of Thailand, Long Chim brings the bold tastes of Bangkok to Perth’s State Buildings from chef aficionado David Thompson. Inside an effortlessly cool space, the dishes bring the heat and flavour-punches, from starters like crunchy prawns and spicy pork with rice cakes, to Massaman beef curry and half roast duck. Drinks wise, there’s signature Thai-inspired cocktails, craft beer and a curated wine list. Happy hour is every day from 5-6pm.

A sophisticated dining room and bar beside the Perth Cultural Centre, Shadow Wine Bar encapsulates the city’s casual-yet-elegant flair. Great for a date or a group dinner with friends, the Northbridge venue is close to the action while also providing a one-stop shop for a vibrant night out. The modern European-inspired menu heroes produce and proteins, and naturally, has a top list of wines from Western Australia as well as regions like McLaren Vale in South Australia and the south of Italy.

Set on the stunning rooftop space of COMO the Treasury, Wildflower is a truly special Perth dining experience. The contemporary menu works around the six seasons of the Noongar calendar – the traditional Aboriginal culture of the land – celebrating farm produce and foraging with native ingredients taking centre stage. Menu options include a two-course lunch, and four or six-course tasting selections for both lunch and dinner. Think south-west Wagyu beef grilled over jarrah or Abrolhos Island scallops with desert lime. Try a signature cocktail to complete the unique flavour experience.

A consistently delicious modern Italian eatery, Lalla Rookh’s produce-driven philosophy ensures that exciting plates will always drift from the aromatic kitchen. Put your faith in the chefs and try the il Capo (‘let us feed you’) menu of six seasonal shared plates, or explore menu specialties such as the crab spaghetti or smoked pork neck. Italian and Australian wines predominantly feature throughout the extensive list, and the cocktails are no slouch either. For a relaxed atmosphere with refined food, this one’s a winner.

One of Perth dining’s heavy hitters since it opened in 2016, this small Italian eatery arguably serves the best pasta in town. Named after the nonna of chef-owner Joel Valvasori-Pereza, Lulu La Delizia shares love and reverence at the table with culinary delights from the country’s north-east. From silky strands of spaghettini to plump clouds of gnocchi, pasta is front and centre in this charming Subiaco restaurant. Be sure to explore the Italian sweets, too. Italian and Australian wines round out the meal. Bellissimo.

The original Beaufort Street brunch spot is a local favourite for a reason. With a pink neon sign beckoning you from the footpath, Mary Street Bakery is where the love affair began, before other outlets sprang up around the city. Whether popping in for a coffee and escargot to go, or people-watching from a well-positioned table, you’ll find the (baked) goods here. Hearty fare is available for breakfast and lunch, including eggs, pasta and fried chicken and buttermilk pancakes.

A seaside cabaret hall in the 1930s, this Italian-inspired espresso bar and canteen is a Cottesloe favourite. It provides a little slice of European elegance across the road from the beach, with delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Passionate about pasta, wine, coffee and cheese, Il Lido is the perfect place to perch for a morning latte or sunset aperitivo, or a destination venue for something more substantial. Beach and brunch, anyone?

Not many cities in the world boast a wine region within 30 minutes of the CBD, let alone one that can be accessed by water. So, when in Perth, a river cruise to the Swan Valley is a truly luxurious endeavour. Departing from Perth, Captain Cook Cruises offers a gourmet wine cruise that leisurely meanders up the scenic river and includes a two-course lunch at Sandalford Estate, plus a tour and tasting before heading back on board for dessert and live entertainment. The cruise lasts over seven hours and includes wine for the return voyage.

Fancy a staycation or indulgent day out? Perth’s CBD is home to a range of high-end spas for total relaxation, beauty and pampering. Try a holistic treatment at the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at COMO the Treasury, which blends Eastern and Western philosophies; or soak in heated infinity pool at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, overlooking the river and city skyline. Organic day spa, Bodhi J at the Westin, offers a range of healing therapies and beauty packages. Escape the city bustle without leaving the city.

Immerse yourself in Perth with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.